Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition

For an updated national map, please visit https://pausetoprotect.org/

About Colorado Gun Storage Options

This map was developed to help community members seeking local options for temporary, voluntary firearm storage.

Out-of-home gun storage can be especially helpful to persons in crisis at risk for suicide. As of the summer of 2019, the businesses and law enforcement agencies listed on this map are willing to consider requests for temporary, voluntary gun storage.

If you’re looking for temporary gun storage, we encourage you to contact the listed business and law enforcement agencies for further information.

If you represent a business or law enforcement agency that is interested in being listed on this map, please email coloradogunstorage@gmail.com.

Why do gun owners sometimes store firearms away from the home?

• They are travelling out of state and want to
  keep firearms secure while they are away
• A teenager in the home is in crisis and at risk
  for suicide
• The grandkids are visiting for a week
• A couple is divorcing and arguments are getting
  heated
• A family member is experiencing mental health or
  substance use concerns
• The homeowner is listing the home for sale and
  wants firearms to be secure while showings occur

Gun owners can lead the way on safety. The National Shooting Sports Foundation recommends temporary off-site storage for firearms when you are concerned about a loved one. View their brochure on firearms and suicide prevention here.

Where can guns be stored?

Many places store guns – gun shops, shooting ranges, police departments, and special storage facilities. Pawn shops and self-storage units may also provide storage. View the map to find some options in your area. Guns may also be loaned to a relative as long as the person isn’t prohibited by law from having a gun. Loans to friends are also okay; for a non-relative, loans more than 72 hours require a background check (usually at a gun shop).

When I’m looking for storage options, what questions should I ask?

Before taking your firearms to a storage location, you should first ask about:

• the process for storing
• any costs
• whether a background check will be conducted
• any limits on how long guns can be stored

Many retailers consider offering storage on a case-by-case basis; please reach out to them to discuss whether they can accommodate your request.

Do not open carry firearms into a police station – always call in advance. Lock firearms in a case or leave them locked in your vehicle while making arrangements with law enforcement. Some locations provide pick-up services; you may inquire about that when you call.

I’m a college student, are there additional options for me?

Many college campus safety departments in Colorado offer gun storage. Inquire with your campus police department to learn more.

Do you know of storage options that aren’t on the map?

To add a listing to the map, please contact coloradogunstorage@gmail.com.

This resource was a joint initiative of the Colorado School of Public Health, Program for Injury Prevention, Education and Research (PIPER), the University of Colorado School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine, and the Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition.

If you or someone you know is in need of support, please contact the Colorado Crisis and Support Line at 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text “TALK” to 38255 or go to Colorado Crisis Services to access chat. Help and hope are available 24/7/365.

If you are not located within Colorado, please contact the National Suicide Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Information on this website was adapted from materials developed by the SAFETY Study.

The information contained here is not intended to be nor is it a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. The contents of this website should not be construed as or solely relied upon for medical or legal advice. The information presented on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider with any questions about medical conditions, and always seek the advice of an attorney with any question about legal issues.